ABOUT THE A.C.E. BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

The A.C.E. Before and After School Program is designed to supervise the students of our schools in a caring and nurturing environment. This program allows for the peace of mind that your children are being watched with the same care and manner they receive during the school day. Our A.C.E. Counselors are highly qualified; most holding a degree in Education and are First Aid and CPR Certified. Our program is structured such that your children will be:

Provided a snack

Able to complete their homework in a supervised, age appropriate setting

Have the option to participate in Enrichment Workshops taught by our A.C.E. Counselors

Allowed necessary down time

Weather permitting, all children are allowed outside on the schools playground for physical activity.

With flexible scheduling there are options for the working and non-working parent to utilize our program and its benefits.

Important Phone Numbers:

To contact a staff member on site call the following numbers:

Emerson: 201-749-0694

Meadowbrook: 201-312-7714

Roberge: 201-312-0441

Smith: 201-312-7212

Woodside: 201-312-0442

Click on the links to access our Parent Handbook, the Student Code of Conduct and our FAQ’s to learn more about the A.C.E. Before and After Care Program.

A.C.E Forms

Use the following forms to search for answers regarding program policies and procedures.

Registration forms 2018-19

“ABOUT ME” LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR A.C.E. STAFF

ALYSSA PULVER-PROGRAM DIRECTOR: Hello, my name is Alyssa Pulver, I am the Program Director for the River Vale Educational Fund. I am going into my eighth school year as director of the A.C.E. Before and After School Program. I reside in Oakland with my family. I have a two year old son who is my life-which makes my work here meaningful. I am a graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Physiology and I hold my Teaching Certificate in Physical Education. Over the years, I have worked as a Personal Trainer and was a General Manager for a large gym. I have many years of management experience as well as customer service. While, my experience never led me to teaching in a classroom, teaching has always been a passion of mine as well as coaching. I enjoy the many aspects of children; playing games, teaching, guiding and just hearing about their days are the things I enjoy most. I have found over the years, you can learn a lot about yourself when working with children. I am extremely dedicated to the Fund and the Before and After School Program. I look forward to another great year!

WOODSIDE:

Kyle Gilfedder-Site Coordinator: Hi, my name is Kyle Gilfedder and this is my seventh year working for the River Vale Educational Fund, where I spent four years at Smith School and three years at Woodside as Site Coordinator. During program hours, I am generally floating throughout the program and overseeing the daily activities. When I am not working for the program, I enjoy traveling, riding my motorcycle and spending time with family and friends.

Paul Brancatelli-Counselor:My name is Paul Brancatelli and I am a graduate of the physical education/health program at William Paterson University. I am going into my sixth year with the A.C.E. After School Program. I am currently a Physical Education Teacher during the day for grades PreK-8. I really enjoy being around the children and sharing my love for sports. I look forward to another fun filled year.

Tim Van Saders–Counselor: My name is Tim Van Saders. I am a junior at William Paterson University majoring in Criminology and Criminal Justice. My goal is to graduate on time to then become either a police officer or a career firefighter. As a volunteer firefighter in River Vale, I interact with children often, whether it be on a call or our annual Open House. I enjoy baseball, football, basketball, weight lifting and playing competitive softball in the fall and spring. Sports have always been a huge part of my life so playing and talking sports with the kids is one of my favorite aspects of the job. This will be my second year with the After School program.

Ericka Obando-Counselor:My name is Ericka Obando and this will be my third year working with the Woodside After School Program. I am a recent graduate of Montclair State University with a Bachelors of Art Degree in Linguistics. My future plans are to obtain a Master’s degree that will enable me to achieve my career goals and pursue my passion of helping Autistic Children. I was inspired to help children at an early age and A.C.E. has been the perfect fit. Being a part of the Woodside staff has been a rewarding experience over the years, and I look forward to another great school year.

Lena Azzam-Counselor: Hi, I am Lena Azzam. I am 22 years old and currently attending William Paterson University for my Masters in Professional Counseling. This will be my third year working with the Woodside After School Program. I look forward to another great year!

Mike Blazina-Counselor: Hi, my name is Mike. This is my third year working with the Woodside After School Program. I am a Graduate Student at William Paterson University and working toward a degree as a School Counselor. I attended River Vale Schools and graduated from PV in 2011.

Avivia Irizarry-Counselor: Hello, my name is Aviva Irizarry and I have been with the A.C.E. Program for four years. I have always loved children and spent many years working with children of pre-school and elementary ages. I attended St. Thomas Aquinas and previously was an Assistant Day Care Teacher with the Godard School. Prior to that I was a Nanny, worked as a Counselor and the Art Director at our local summer camp, a Site Supervisor for the YWCA and tutored at St Thomas Aquinas for the Center for Academic Excellence. I started working with children at a very young age. I love helping them with their homework, playing games, and doing fun arts & crafts. I love making children feel good about themselves through the things they learn and do. When I’m not working, I love to read and spend time traveling. I’m very proud to be part of such a great program and I am looking forward to seeing all the students from last year, as well as meeting the new ones.

Nare Khrimian-Counselor: Hello, my name is Nare Khrimian and I am excited for another year at Woodside Elementary Before Care. I grew up in Old Tappan and I have worked in several different Before and After Care Programs for over eight years. I studied Education and Phycology at Bergen Community College and have always enjoyed working with children. I am a huge animal lover as well and enjoy volunteering at local animal adoption events. My hobbies include, cooking, cross fit and hiking with my boxer pup.

Aly Ciuppa-Counselor: Coming Soon!

Sajel Jani-Counselor: Coming soon!

ROBERGE:

Eddie Cohen-Site Coordinator: Hello, my name is Edward Cohen. I am excited to start my sixth year working for the River Vale Educational Fund. It is important to me to make sure that the program is a fun, safe and enjoyable place for all the children to attend. I have worked in various educational settings including: Bergen County Special Services for children who have various disabilities. I have also worked at Spring Valley High School as an intern working along side the Athletic Director and Isubstitute teaching in several districts. I have also coached basketball. I am currently a Real Estate Agent for Keller Williams as well as the Site Coordinator at Roberge. Looking forward to making this the best year yet!

Marisa Martire-Site Coordinator: Hi, my name us Marisa, Site Coordinator for three years now at Roberge. Recently married, I currently live in Mahwah saving up to purchase a home. I hold a degree in Interactive and Graphic Design from Seton Hall University. Although I love doing graphic work and still freelance on the side, I decided to use my creative and details oriented skills to work with children. One of my biggest passions besides the outdoors is the satisfaction of being with kids, teaching them useful skills they may use in real life, and watching them grow. I’ve made great connections with many of the students as well as families throughout my time here and I am excited to be able to come back and continue with this new year. My goal is to keep providing a safe and entertaining environment for all.

Meri Peters-Counselor:Hello! My name is Meri Peters-Tuohey and I am excited to be returning to Roberge’s ACE Program for the 3rd year! I work primarily with the kindergartners at the start of each day and help them with their homework and other various tasks that they may need assistance with. A little bit about me: I hold a bachelor’s & master’s degree in sociology from William Paterson University. Always having an interest in working with children, I focused my graduate studies around parental involvement in schools. Before joining ACE, I worked as a grant writer/researcher at a nonprofit organization in Paterson, whose mission was to deliver programs and resources to Paterson schools to ensure that all children achieve high standards. Wanting a change of pace out of an office environment, I decided to join the ACE program in 2015. It was just the change I needed! No two days are alike and no two children are alike, which is what makes this job so enjoyable. I truly enjoy watching each child grow emotionally and academically as the year progresses. I welcome and encourage parents to talk to me about anything they may have questions about, whether it be about their child or the program in general. I am here to help! Looking forward to another year at Roberge!

Nicole Hanna-Counselor: Hello everyone! My name is Nicole Hanna and this is my fourth year working with the A.C.E After School Program. I am a Biology Major/Psychology Minor at Montclair State University. I am always around kids, either teaching Sunday School or coaching a soccer team, I am always there to help. I love making a difference in a children’s lives and that is why all the programs I do, revolve around guiding them. Each child I meet is unique and I learn so much about them from each interaction.

Mike Guzzo-Counselor: Hi, my name is Mike Guzzo and I am excited to start my second year as part of the A.C.E. Program. I am currently a Senior at Manhattan College with a major in Public Relations and a minor in History. Outside of school, I like to play sports, especially soccer. Last year was my first year working for A.C.E and I can say I definitely enjoyed working with all the kids and I am looking forward to another great year!

Noelle Nebbia-Counselor: I’m Noelle and this is my fourth year working the A.C.E. After School Program. I am currently a Senior at Ramapo College majoring in Literature and Elementary Education. I love working with children and animals. I spent this summer working as an Educational Intern for the Bergen County Zoo. I look forward to returning to Roberge!

Mary Gerraah-Hanikeh-Counselor:Hello Everyone! I hope you are great! My name is Mary Gerraah-Hanikeh, and I am a returning employee to this awesome A.C.E. Program. This will be my fifth year at Roberge, and I am so excited to meet you and your children, whom I will take care of the best I can! I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justine and a Master’s in Education-both obtained from Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City. I am fluent in English and Arabic. I have had experience working with individuals as young as newborn babies up to adulthood, whether it was through this employment, babysitting, student teaching, family, mentoring students in College, or working with the junior youth and youth in my church. I am here to help your child grow academically, further build his or her character and make sure he or she has a super, fun time! Their safety is my top priority. I look forward to working with everyone in this program and I am forever grateful for this opportunity. Thank you for taking the time to read about me!

Samuelle Jean-Charles-Counselor: I received my Bachelor of Science in Early Education from Mercy College. I’ve been in the field of childcare and education for over nine years professionally. I have also volunteered with my churches VBS program as well as an after school homework helper for three years prior. I have worked in in-home daycares and childcare centers. I enjoy early childhood because I love sharing the firsts with the children I educate and care for.

Violette Dabaghian-Counselor: I was born in Aleppo, Syria and immigrated to the United States with my Parents at the age of six. I grew up in Connecticut and attended the University of Connecticut and graduated with a Fine Arts Degree. After College, I worked in California for about a year before moving to Connecticut to look for employment in NY or NJ. Being a proud Armenian American, I knew that this area was more diverse and wanted to be where I can be with both my culture as well as others. I worked for a publishing company in NY being an Art Director for a few magazines. While working, I was active in many Armenian organizations one of which was a dance group. It was with this group that we went to Armenia to both dance as well as help those that were hurt by the major earthquake that took place there in 1989. In 1994, I was married to my husband of 23 years. We have two beautiful children, a girl who is going to start her sophomore year in college and a boy who will be a senior at Pascack Valley High School. I have been a stay at home mom during these past years while they have been in the public school system. I was always a class mom for either one of them during their grammar school days, gone on class trips, helped coach various teams and various other activities that needed my help. I was also an aide at the Park Ridge schools for a special needs child for two years. I love working with children and enjoy being around them.

Jane Smith: Counselor: Coming soon

SMITH:

Sandy Kirk-Site Coordinator: I am starting my 13th year as Site Coordinator at the Smith School. I have so enjoyed working with the Smith Family, from children, their families and the dedicated staff in our After Care Program. It’s been wonderful to be a part of this community and see our children grow. I enjoy traveling, working out, and watching my favorite sports team-The New York Yankees. I also like the San Antonio Spurs and yes, the Dallas Cowboys (sorry Giants fans). I am a lifelong resident of Park Ridge along with my husband Gary. We have two children: Shannon, 28 a Boston University Graduate who works inNYC and Devon, 26 a Graduate of the University of Rhode Island who is a personal trainer at a local gym. I look forward to another fun after school program for the year ahead.

Marie Brisseau-Counselor: I was born in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti. I came to the United States of America at the age of 9 years old. I was raised in Brooklyn, NY with my four siblings. I moved to Bergen County in 1993 and have resided there since. I am a mother of three sons and also a grandmother of two, who also reside in Bergen County. I am presently attending College, and currently working on accomplishing a certificate in the Respiratory Therapist Program. Since living in Bergen County, NJ, I was emplyed by Spectrum for Living located in Maywood, NJ. I managed a group home for disbaled adults for about 18 years. Moving on, I taught at Highpoinit High School of Bergen County for adolescents in special education for 7 years. My role was to assist the teachers and prepare daily lessions for the students. I also worked at the YWCA aftercare program, located at the Ann Blanche Smith School, which I was employed for seven years. My duties were to assist Kindergarten through fifth grade students with their homework assignments, arts and crafts and outdoor activities. In conclusion, I am a dedicated, resourceful and an innovative person. I support each child’s social and intellectual growth by creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and Open communication

Estelle Akdimir-Counselor: Coming Soon!

Zuly Ortiz: Counselor: Hi everyone! My name is Zuly Ortiz and this will be my third year working with the River Vale Educational Fund. I am currently a psychology major and aspire to become a clinical psychiatrist. On my free time, I enjoy reading, going to the a local coffee shop and going on occasional hikes with my friends. I enjoy working with children, and I am excited to see what new memories I will make this upcoming year with your children!

Talar Hadadan-Counselor:Hello, my name is Talar Hadadan. Before joining the After Care Program, I was a Teacher Aid at George White Middle School for nine years. I love working and taking acre of children. I am married with two children. I have a son who is 24 and a daughter who is 20. I love to bake, shop, travel and go to the gym. I love spending time with my family and friends.

Sanaa Elqaisi-Counselor: My name is Sanaa Elqaisi, proud mother of four. Responsible educator with extensive knowledge in Child Development. I have over seventeen years in the education field and different teaching positions. I try my best to ensure all my students have a solid foundation in creative problem solving as well as ethical thinking.

Sam Hanikeh-Counselor: Coming Soon

Meadowbrook:

Daniel O’Brien-Site Coordinator: Hi, my name is Daniel O’Brien, I have been working for the River Vale Educational Fund since 2011 as a Site Coordinator at the Meadowbrook Elementary School. I have studies Computer Technology (Comp TIA A+) in 2015. I graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas College in 2009 with a Bachelor Degree in Social Science. I have been working in the Educational Field for several years now. Some of my interests are cars and sports. I am a New York Giants and Yankee fan!

Stephanie Ishak-Site Coordinator: Hello, my name is Stephanie Ishak, I am a Co-Coordinator at the Meadowbrook Elementary School. I have been working with children of all ages for over 10 years. I graduated from Montclair State University and received my BA in Psychology and Child Advocacy and Policy with a Minor in Arabic. I look forward to working with you and your children this coming school year!

Julianna Kelemen-Counselor:Hello, my name is Julianna Kelemen and I am 23 years young! This upcoming school year will be my fifth year working for the River Vale Educational Fund. I love working for the Fund because I have such a strong connection to all of the children. I am currently a nursing student and hope to one day become a pediatric or school nurse.

Dylan Thiemann-Counselor: My name is Dylan Thiemann and I am excited to start my fourth year as a Counselor for the After School Program. I am a student at St. Thomas Aquinas College, where I am studying to be an Elementary Education Teacher. I enjoy working with the students and appreciate all the interaction I have with the families. I am fortunate to hold a job that allows me to work in the same field that coincides with my future goals. I am looking forward to another great year with all of your children.

Natalie Tasci-Counselor: Hi! My name is Natalie Tasci and this is my third year working with the River Vale Educational Fund. I am a recent graduate of Seton Hall University with a Bachelor of Art Degree in Communications. I am enjoy working with children, and in addition to being a Sunday School Teacher for the last three years, I spent the last summer in Lebanon teaching English, Math and Science to refugee kids. My dream is to become a documentary film maker. I am looking forward to another great year with your kids!

Lynn Rosenthal-Counselor:Hello, my name is Lynne Rosenthal and I am very excited to be joining ACE After Care Program this year. I am a retired Art Education Teacher and I have worked in After School Programs for the past eight years. I enjoy sharing my knowledge of arts and crafts with the children and having fun! I am looking forward to this upcoming school year!

Olivia Stalknecht-Counselor: My name is Olivia Stalknecht and I am a Senior at Pascack Valley. At PV, I belong to a club called Camp Raspberry where I get to interact with special needs children from the area. I find this very rewarding, because not only do I see their happiness, I also see them face and overcome their challenges. I love working with all different children and making a difference in their lives. I am very excited to be a part of this program and work with your children!

Kryss Garcia-Counselor:My name is Kryss Garcia, I am 21 years old and am Ecuadorian. I’m a Senior studying Biology and Public Health at Montclair State University. I aspire to help individuals better their health. To me, life is all about helping and being nice to others as well as going on adventures to experience new things.

Lara Anac-Ayvazian-Counselor:My name is Laura Ayvazian and I am a Senior at PV. I would like to become a Special Education Teacher. I want to fulfill my dreams by teaching children who need extra help so I can make a difference in their lives.

EMERSON:

Mary Kenny-Site Coordinator: Hello, my name is Mary Kenny. I work in the Before and After Care Program in Emerson, where I am the supervisor. I am also an instructional aid in second grade. I have lived in Emerson since 1977. I have two daughters, two son in laws, and three grandsons. My family, working with children, and relaxing with my four cats are among my favorite things.

Fran Pajak-Counselor:I have been an Emerson resident my entire life! I have been part of the before and aftercare programs for six years and have worked with the Emerson Community School Summer Program for the past 20 years. I love crafts, the shore, and my job.

Joann Gottschalk-Counselor: Coming Soon!

Debby (Darcy) Godleski-Counselor: I am going into my fourth year with the After School Program! It has been a wonderful experience working with the children. Since graduating from Montclair State University in 1985, I have been working in the education field. I owned and directed a Preschool for 12 years. I also worked with special needs students for three. I find each and every day fun and rewarding for myself and the students. It has always been my pleasure working with any age group to help them enjoy their daily Educational activities. I strive to make a difference in your children’s life in any situation using a caring, understanding and comforting attitude.

Eileen Malone-Counselor:Hi my name is Eileen Malone and this is my third year working with the A.C.E. Before and After School Program. I am currently a teaching assistant with the Pre School Program in the Emerson School District. This will be my 13th year working for the district. I live in Emerson with my husband and three daughters. I am looking forward to a wonderful year with you and your children.

AnnaMarie Fanto-Pre-K Counselor: Hi! My name is Annamarie Fanto, or as the children call me, Mrs. F. After retiring from the corporate world and moving to New Jersey, I found myself waiting to get back into the work field but not in an office. I have always loved children and began working for the Emerson Board of Education at Memorial Elementary School. I’ve been a Lunch Aid there for four years and this will be my third year with the A.C.E. After Care Program. It is a joy and most rewarding to work with the children of all ages, but especially Pre-K. I look forward to caring and nurturing your children.